I run an iPod Nano with my Mac, but often plug it into my
Windows XP laptop to charge it (due to lack of available
USB ports on my Mac) with out synchronising it (no iTunes
on my laptop). This time I accidently formatted the iPod,
and now it won't even power up when connected to either
the Mac, Laptop or when disconnected. What have I done,
and what can I do to get it to work. My wife will kill me
when she finds out!!!

All is not lost. Don't worry. You might need to install
iTunes on your Windows box but probably not. Go to
http://www.apple.com/ipod/download/ and download the
iPod Software Updater for Windows. You will need
Windows 2000 or XP for this to work however. Once that
is downloaded, lauch the application and select the
"restore" button. This will technically erase the entire iPod
and install the iPod software back on the unit. You can
then connect it to either a windows-based computer or
your Macintosh to transfer songs back to the Nano. In
fact, if you do it soon enough she might never know.

Good luck!